Sport utility vehicles have become the most popular vehicles on the market. As a result, a lot of drivers on the road are unfamiliar with their vehicle, most of them with false expectations.
Most new utility vehicle owners will by now have discovered the advantages of their new vehicle — seating height and improved visibility, cargo capacity and utility, and of course, the ease of getting in and out.
What they are also likely to expect when they buy a utility vehicle with four- or all-wheel-drive, is security, the ability to take the worry out of winter. Herein lies the problem.
Vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive will provide better traction for getting underway, but they have virtually no advantage in stopping or turning.
Passenger vehicles use the two front tires to steer and all four tires to stop. It doesn’t matter if they are two- or all-wheel drive, front- or rear-wheel drive.
It is easy for a newcomer to all-wheel drive to become accustomed to the extra grip while accelerating. That can result in a false sense of security — and often excess speed. What these drivers fail to realize, is that when it comes time to turn or stop, they are often going faster than they should be for the conditions. They will thus need more room to stop.
That’s when the laws of physics come into play. These drivers have the same ability to turn and stop as others motorists — not more.
They have same two front tires providing grip for a turn, and four tires for stopping. But, because they are going faster and need more room, they are in trouble.
The same additional height that provides that excellent view from the taller driver’s seat, means the vehicle has a higher centre of gravity and different handling properties in an emergency.
This will not be a factor in low grip winter situations. But the mechanical and technical equipment required for all-wheel-drive systems adds weight so utility vehicles are both taller and heavier.
The laws of physics are firm on this — adding weight increases stopping distance. An SUV or all-wheel-drive vehicle requires more room to stop than a smaller and lighter vehicle.
Tow truck drivers, police and highway safety personnel will tell you the first ones off the road in winter are usually driving an SUV for the first time.
SUVs are classified by the government as a truck. It is wise to keep that in mind at all times.
The false sense of security all-wheel drive brings could bite you. That added security you feel when pulling away from a stop or digging though snow or slush is comforting.
Just don’t forget, you are going to have to turn or stop at some point.
